Higher Computing
Networks
Peer to Peer Network
Every work station on a peer-to-peer network has similar status in hierarchy, each having its own local storage devices for programs and data.
Advantages
- Each station on a peer to peer network has a similar status, with its own local storage devices
- Cheaper than client/server - no need for file server or server software
- Easier to set up current operating systems for peer to peer operations, for example, Windows XP
Disadvantages
- No central file storage - users must always use the same machine to access their data
- Users must backup their own data
- If one station is switched off, it may not be possible to access some resources
- Peer to peer is less secure than client/server - users may not be required to log in
Client/Server Network
Client workstations make use of resources available on one one or more servers
Advantages
- Increased security over peer to peer each user must log in to server
- Different users can be given different levels of access to data
- Resources are controlled through the server
- Workgroup computing - many users can work on the same document simultaneously
- Flexible use of stations - any user can log into the file server and can access their own data from any station
- Backup is done centrally - the system administrator is responsible for making backup copies of all of the data on the file server.
Disadvantages
- If the file server is not working then users cannot access their data
- More expensive then peer to peer - its is necessary to buy a server and server software
File Server
- Stores data files for all users on the network
- Holds information that lists the files each user has access to
- Holds information about the access privileges each user has to specific files and folders for example whether a user has both read and write access to a folder
Print Server
- Receives print jobs from clients
- Queues the jobs
- Spools the jobs to write while they are in the queue
- Sends them , in turn, to the printer.
Web Server
Enables HTML pages and other HTTP documents to be shared and accessed by the systems using a standard browser